Winter Spine
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Montane Winter Spine Challenger North
The Montane Winter Spine Challenger North is a non-stop, 160 mile race along the Pennine Way from Hardraw in North Yorkshire to Kirk Yetholm in the Scottish Borders. Runners have a time limit of 108 hours to complete the course. The route crosses the Yorkshire Dales, Northumberland National Park, Hadrian's Wall and the Cheviots and includes substantial ascent and descent.
Key course figures provided by the organiser include a total ascent of 5290 metres and a total descent of 5591 metres. Daytime temperatures in January are listed as 0°C to 10°C and night-time temperatures as -10°C to 2°C. Daylight hours in January are noted as about 8 hours. The race has 100 places available.
Three staffed checkpoints are listed at Langdon Beck, Alston and Bellingham. Checkpoint services include hot meals, hot and cold drinks, somewhere to sleep, professional medical crews, resupply bag handling, weather updates and volunteer assistance. Toilets and showers are available at Alston and Bellingham.
Entry requirements state entrants must be 21 years or over. Qualification is normally by an ultra over 60 miles or previous completion of a Montane Spine Challenger event, or by equivalent mountain or navigation experience. The entry fee is £745 with a deposit of £300 on entry and the remaining £445 due 100 days before the race. Payments are accepted online by debit or credit card. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
